CURRICULUM

Through our curriculum we aim to personally empower students by developing in them the ability to act in pursuit of positive personal fulfilment.

Our approach is underpinned by a belief that:

  • Strong academic outcomes provide students with the foundation to excel in the next and future stages of their learning.

  • Highly developed character attributes provide students with the means to develop positive emotions, engage meaningfully, build and sustain positive relationships, find purpose and meaning in their lives and feel a sense of accomplishment.

The curriculum is timetabled in a ten-day cycle of one hour lessons. The size of our school enables us to cover a wide range of courses and meet students’ individual needs. 

We have two dedicated curriculum websites that are useful for current and prospective parents, carers, students and staff.

Curriculum@WPSA: This website is designed for the students, parents and prospective parents of Warden Park Academy. You can use it to find out about:

  • The curriculum design for all of our subjects throughout Years 7–11

  • How classes are arranged within each of our curriculum areas in Years 7 & 8 and Years 9–11

  • The curriculum structure for Years 7 & 8 and Years 9–11 — these are the lessons that make up a student’s timetable cycle

WPSA Key Stage 4 Options:This website is primarily designed to support our Year 8 options process. It is also useful for prospective parents of students joining us from another school in the UK or from abroad in Year 9 or later. The curriculum and subject information is provided to support your child’s curriculum choices during 

KEY STAGE 3 

Our curriculum throughout Years 7 and 8 is broad and balanced. It ensures that students have the opportunity to study a range of subject disciplines so that they not only develop their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of contexts, but are also able to discover what excites them as individuals and ignites their passion for learning.

Our curriculum is designed to foster strong literacy and numeracy skills, with a particular emphasis on developing reading and oracy so that students can express themselves confidently and effectively in a range of contexts. Alongside academic achievement, we prioritise the development of character, ensuring students grow into respectful, resilient and reflective young people. Through rich vocabulary development and meaningful opportunities to engage in discussion, debate and public speaking, students are equipped with the communication skills they need to thrive both within school and in the wider world. 

Personal and social development is delivered through our dedicated Personal Development faculty, which encompasses a number of discrete curriculum subjects. These include PSHE (delivered through Learning About Life and Health and Wellbeing), as well as Careers and Enterprise, Character in Action, and our Tutor and Assembly programme. Each subject is timetabled and carefully sequenced to provide a coherent and comprehensive approach to developing students' personal, social, emotional and moral understanding. This ensures that all students are supported in becoming confident, respectful and responsible citizens, prepared for life beyond the classroom.

KEY STAGE 4

Students begin their GCSE studies in Year 9.  

This enables them to:

  • focus on their chosen subject areas, allowing for a deeper understanding and development of key skills

  • personalise their learning

  • participate in enrichment options within curriculum areas

To ensure that students are studying a varied curriculum, all must select one option from the following: History, Geography, Spanish, French or Computer Science. These subjects provide excellent progression routes to a wide range of qualifications at A-Level and beyond. They are considered to be of high value in ensuring all students follow a broad and balanced curriculum at Key Stage 4. This requirement guarantees that all students have access to the EBacc.

 

Students follow a core curriculum, in addition to four GCSE options, alongside non-examined qualifications in PE and Learning About Life.

 

Our Learning About Life lessons in Years 9 and 10 also offer students an enrichment opportunity. In the final half-term, students must opt for an additional enrichment subject outside of their regular curriculum. This could include Art, Graphics, Environmental Awareness and Sustainability, a South American Cultural Study, or an in-depth study of the Holocaust, to name a few.

 

Our Key Stage 4 curriculum is further enhanced by our Twilight Curriculum, which offers students the opportunity to study a range of formal qualifications and accreditations in addition to their standard curriculum. Current options include:

 

  • The Higher Project Qualification (HPQ)

  • Cambridge & GCSE Latin

  • Enterprise & Marketing

  • Accelerated GCSE French & Spanish

  • The Arts Award

  • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

  • Inspire Scholars Programme 

  • Dance Leaders

 

Enrichment

At Warden Park, our extensive extracurricular programme is designed to inspire, challenge and connect students beyond the classroom.

Every curriculum area carefully plans its enrichment opportunities to ensure a broad and engaging range of experiences is available to students. You can view each curriculum area's enrichment offer within their curriculum map, available via our Curriculum website [here]. These opportunities include:

 

  • Clubs

  • Competitions

  • Curriculum-themed weeks

  • Trips and visits

  • Super-curricular projects

  • Extension beyond the specification (Key Stage 4 options only)

Clubs: From competitive sports and performing arts to STEM, creative clubs and leadership opportunities, our offer ensures every student can explore new interests, develop skills, and grow in confidence. Whether it’s joining the chess club, taking centre stage in a school production, or engaging in hands-on science and technology projects, our diverse range of activities supports personal development, character education, and a strong sense of community. With over 40 clubs running weekly and seasonal highlights such as enrichment weeks and residentials, there is something for everyone.

You can find out more about our enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities via our dedicated Enrichment website here.